Choir expresses Ramadan traditions, rituals in song

AMMAN — The Amaan Choir performed its first show in Amman last Thursday with the aim of presenting Arabic traditions through music. 

Established by Syrian artist Nibal Khodari, the group seeks to revive Eastern traditions and cultures.

“I reside in Germany and this is a project I have been working on. I thought of establishing choirs that work to safeguard culture and Amaan is the first project,” he told The Jordan Times before the performance began at the National Centre for Culture and Arts. 

Khodari noted that the performance reflects on the rituals and habits of people during the fasting month of Ramadan.

“Because we are in Ramadan, we wanted to present the main rituals of people during the month which are religious, and their main interest which is watching TV shows,” he noted.  

Yara Juban, a member of the group, said the performers wanted to integrate drama with traditional songs. 

“The whole show was designed to meet the taste of all ages so that family members can enjoy it,” Juban added. 

The 21-year-old said the choir wanted to remind the audience of the family atmosphere they used to experience while watching these TV shows. 

“Our duty as artists is to strengthen our traditions. Arab artists have to work hard to remind people of the beautiful times of old films, television shows and music,” she added. 

Mohammad Sukkar, another performer, said the show presented stories of people’s daily life in a musical and artistic way. 

“Drama and old traditions are really important because they talk about our forefathers’ lives,” he added. 

Sukkar noted that the ongoing violence in the region has had a negative impact on the creative process, making some people forget their old traditions, and the things they used to like and enjoy.

The choir plans to hold similar performance around the region and beyond.

Khodari said artists in the region should not give up despite the difficult situation.

“We have a specific message we want to deliver, so we will keep working and not let anything stand in our way.”